A Quick Assay for the Quantitation of Fumonisin B1 and B2 in Maize Samples by Liquid Chromatography and Mass...

A quick and effective extraction of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) in corn samples is described. The samples were extracted with an 80% acetonitrile-water solution, followed by a second extraction using an 80% methanol-water solution. The extract was then subjected to an immunoaffinity column for cleanup. Quantitation was then obtained by LC/MS. LC/MS parameters were optimized resulting in a 3 min run time. Corn certified reference materials (CRMs) at three different levels were analyzed. For the lowest level, a corn CRM sample containing 0.6 ppm of FB1 and 0.1 ppm of FB2 was analyzed. For the midlevel, analysis of a corn CRM sample containing 1.2 ppm FB1 and 0.3 ppm FB2 was conducted. A sample containing 3.6 ppm FB1 and 0.8 ppm FB2 was also analyzed. All recoveries were calculated using an external standard curve. Recoveries from all CRM samples ranged from 70 to 110%. Confirmation for both analytes in the sample extracts at each level was accomplished by comparing MS/MS spectra of the samples against those of the standards. This method provides a rapid, specific, robust, and easily controlled assay for the analysis of fumonisin in corn samples.